Text Size

-

+

reset

Oberstar was elected in 1974, a part of a large class of Democrats called the Watergate Babies that also included California Reps. Henry Waxman and George Miller. He went on to chair the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and was a longtime champion of cycling.

Oberstar’s northern Minnesota district — dubbed the Iron Range — included his hometown Chisolm and Duluth. He won it handily for many years, but was a victim of the GOP wave in 2010, losing to Republican Chip Cravaack. In 2012, Cravaack lost to Rep. Rick Nolan (D-Minn.), who returned to Congress after a 32-year absence. Nolan was originally elected with Oberstar in 1974.

President Barack Obama offered his condolences to Oberstar's family, saying the lawmaker will be "deeply missed," according to a statement from the White House. "Jim cared deeply about the people of Minnesota, devoting his 36 years of service to improving America's infrastructure, creating opportunity for hardworking Minnesotans, and building a strong economy for future generations of Americans."